Here's what we know: This Monday, at an as yet unconfirmed location somewhere in Hollywood, Microsoft with be making an important announcement. Now, Mashable is posting about what is being called a credibly rumor of a Microsoft-made tablet, running Windows RT (a version of Windows 8), intended to rival Apple's iPad.

This is a big deal, maybe!

Hollywood blog The Wrap cites "an individual with knowledge of the company", who claims the software giant would be "making a foray into a new hardware category that would put the company in direct competition with rival Apple" - tablets.

Previous attempts at a Microsoft-branded tablet have been unsuccessful and short-lived. The most recent was killed before it even got out the gate, right around the initial launch of the earliest iPad.

If the rumors are true, this Microsoft tablet will be entering a climate of already-stiff competition. We'll have to hold our thoughts for now, as hard facts and specs will be the ultimate test of its viability. But, ehh...? Stay tuned for more. [Mashable]